The car was discovered in Baja California Sur by Hugo Sanchez with no drivetrain and under a few coats of new paint. But it did have reinforced shock towers, the sort of thing you would do for a stunt car, as well as a 9-inch rear end and special vent holes for other moviemaking magic. In an ironic twist, the owner was going to turn the car into an Eleanor clone, paying homage to “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Wrong movie, buddy.

“I’m 100 percent sure it’s authentic,” Marti says after traveling across the border to inspect the car last week.

Marti says the VIN plate is original, and his company, Marti Auto Works, makes replacement tags, so he should know.

Sanchez co-owns the Mustang with shop owner Ralph Garcia Jr., who had already started repairing the car -- it now wears a fresh coat of Highland green paint. It was displayed at the local Mexicali Ford dealership before being shipped back to California, where Garcia lives. Since then, he’s been sourcing parts for a full restoration.

People have already offered to buy it, obviously, but as of now, Garcia and Sanchez aren’t selling. When finished, this car could go for well above any estimate, considering anything related to Steve McQueen is gold and next year is the 50th anniversary of “Bullitt.”